Articles

[Drag Queen]

We definitely got the better deal. JG is already showing his influence. Keep up the good work Jimmy. Reynolds when fit, should be a great buy for the Tigers. Seeya in the bottom four Doggies

 

[getsmarty]

Dragons stars speak out in support of Denver Test

• Cameron Mee

Local Sport

Kicking goals: Dragons captain Gareth Widdop has supported the planned Test in Denver. Picture: AAP Image/David Rowland.

St George Illawarra stars Gareth Widdop and James Graham have voiced their support for the proposed England-New Zealand Test in Denver.

The Test, to be held during the representative weekend in June, has attracted plenty of debate. Officials have been forced to weigh concerns surrounding player welfare with the long-term benefits of engaging with a new market ahead of the American-hosted 2025 World Cup.

With a game two days after the players are likely to return and three potential representatives, Widdop, Graham and Kiwi Jason Nightingale, St George Illawarra stand to be affected by the Test.

The Dragons face the Eels in the opening game of round 16 at WIN Stadium.

Widdop and Graham, however, believe the benefits of taking a Test to an emerging market outweigh the potential downsides.

“I am a huge huge fan of international rugby league,” Graham said. “We need as much of it as we can, especially on the back of a great World Cup. This Test in Denver is a huge opportunity to showcase the game.

“In terms of the turnaround, it’s not ideal, we know that. Maybe there could have been some conversations like they probably would have done with the Origin and setting it up with the short turnaround, but if that’s what you’ve got to do, that’s what you’ve got to do. I’m here as a rugby league player and I want to be involved in international rugby league as much as I possibly can.”

While there will no doubt be discussion of resting players, Graham, if selected, has a desire to play in both the Test and the Dragons clash.

“I need to make sure I’m playing well to get picked, first and foremost.

“If I am given the opportunity, I want to play for England in Denver, and then I want to come back and play for St George Illawarra on the Thursday.”

The match will be played in the mountain air of Denver. This has increased the concerns of the clubs, with altitude known to place a bigger strain on the body.

Widdop recognises the issues surrounding player welfare, but said he would not turn down an opportunity to represent his country.

“For me as a player, any chance you get to represent your country, it’s a privilege and an honour,” Widdop said. “It doesn’t come around too often, so for me anytime I’m selected, I’ll be putting my hand up to play for my country.

“To take it over to Denver, where we’re trying to grow the game, I think it’s great for the international game. On the flip-side, I think we’ve only got two or three days before our game. To be honest I haven’t given a thought to that yet, first I need to get selected, and then we’ll go from there and work out with staff what they want to do.”

http://www.illawarramercury.com.au/story/5297323/stars-support-denver-test/

 

[getsmarty]

More than just $1 million: What Hunt demanded from Dragons

by Nathan Ryan

21st Mar 2018 4:54 PM
IT wasn't all about the money.

Sure, $1 million plus a season was a lucrative and enticing offer but there was no Jerry Maguire moment when it came to contract negotiations with Ben Hunt.

A lot has been made of the large figure St George Illawarra are paying their marquee recruit but what you don't know is the lengthy and revealing conversations the club had with the halfback in the lead-up to securing his signature.

Dragons' Director of Rugby League Pathways Ian Millward revealed it took four meetings with Hunt - three of them in Brisbane - before the deal was done.

And the pitch was more detailed than most recruitment meetings.

Ben Hunt during training at WIN Stadium.
While the former Brisbane No.7 had met all of Millward's conditions for signing a playmaker, the 27-year-old had four critical questions he needed answers to.

"Ben had criteria when he came on board with us too. It wasn't all about our criteria," Millward said.

"Our criteria internally was, we wanted a halfback who'd played 100 plus NRL games, we wanted a halfback who had played either Origin or who had played in a grand final, we wanted a halfback whose personality was flat lined a lot, it wasn't spiked up and down.

"There was a lot of traits we were looking for and then when we sat down with Ben he had a lot of criteria too.

"He wanted to know who was going to be the right second rower, what style we were going to play, did we have any halfbacks on our coaching staff that could continue to advance his game and help him with feedback.

"He wanted to know the strength of our forwards. That was a real big thing criteria with Ben.

Ben Hunt gets a kick away.
"We had to really go into some detail because Ben wasn't up to date with how good (Jack) De Belin was, how Tariq (Sims) was going and some of our younger forwards coming through and Cameron McInnes as a hooker he had to gain a rapport with so there was a little bit of trust he had to take in with us."

Millward was impressed by Hunt's line of questioning.

Rather than accept the dollar figure like many other players would have, he was invested and since arriving at the joint venture, his passion has only intensified.

"That really impressed you. It wasn't just 'oh yeah, I've listened to you and might move on'," he said.



"Obviously the biggest thing that came through our pre-season, is he was able to interact really quickly with guys. He's a person that's really level headed but not spiking at times, some days he's up and some days he's done. His personality is very good.

"The players appreciated him when we did a lot of opposed at training early in the pre-season.

"His kicking game, the way he can build pressure and the way he kept his composure through a lot of the in-house training. He's been able to transfer that to a game.

"He's been a person that the other players are really enjoying playing with and they appreciate what he's brought and the interaction with his spine has been really well. They have a real good rapport early."

Ben Hunt is congratulated by Tyson Frizell.
While seeking detail, the depth of questioning on Hunt's end isn't uncommon for a player of his ilk.

As a Test and Queensland Origin representative, Millward said Hunt's at a stage of his career where he's chasing success.

With 22 of their top 30 signed on for 2019, the Dragons have stability and security within their squad and most notably, their key positions.

"If you're talking to marquees, they do usually have options," Millward said of talks with Hunt.

"You've got to pitch. You're not just turning up saying we've got a good team, there's some money. Marquee players want to be surrounded with people that are going to give them longevity and also keep improving their game and keep improving their performance.

Ben Hunt in action for Dragons. Picture: Phil Hillyard
"A younger guy, you're trying to explain his pathway, where he's seen in the organisation, is there a succession plan for him moving forward?

"It's different to that player who's the middle of the road and looking for opportunity, who has been dogged by injuries and obviously the coach has a big effect on that too. When he sits down with the player, especially a marquee, he's got to sell his philosophies and the culture he's going to bring to the club and where that player fits in.

"It's not just about picking a player up and putting a figure on the table. There are players who'll sign for a little bit less at one club because they see that fit and that synergy and the coach and culture fits."


https://www.news-mail.com.au/news/more-then-just-1-million-what-ben-hunt-asked-of-th/3367202/

 

[getsmarty]

Dragons confirm key Women's Premiership staff appointments
Author
Dragons.com.au dragons.com.au
Timestamp
Thu 22 Mar 2018, 10:00 AM

The St George Illawarra Dragons have today confirmed key staff appointments ahead of a decision on the teams to be included in the 2018 NRL Women's Premiership by the end of the month.

Dragons' women's license application lodged

In preparing a submission for inclusion in the inaugural 2018 NRL Women's premiership, the Dragons worked on identifying a group of qualified and experienced individuals to coach and develop an elite squad of female athletes.

Each of the four key staff appointments for the Dragons' NRL Women's Premiership outfit have had an affiliation with rugby league for some time and have committed themselves to the Dragons' women's program should the club be successful in obtaining a license.

Coach of the currently undefeated Illawarra Steelers Tarsha Gale Cup side Daniel Lacey will take control of the Women's Premiership outfit, while Pam Goodridge – who has been an Australian Jillaroos trainer for the past eight years – will oversee the athletic performance of the squad.

Alicia Kate-Hawke (assistant coach) and Danielle Gallagher (strength and conditioning coach) have also accepted key roles ahead of the inaugural women's elite competition.

With Lacey tasked with leading the development of the women's elite program within the club's submission, his time also spent as the New South Wales and NRL All Stars women's coach has him well-prepared for the inaugural NRL Women's Premiership.

"I've been involved in female rugby league in the Dragons' catchment areas and throughout New South Wales since 2013 so the chance to play a part in the NRL Women's Premiership's inaugural season is something I'm looking forward to," Lacey said.

"Since coaching New South Wales and the All Stars, I've seen women's rugby league grow from year to year.

"It's fantastic that these girls who are right into rugby league are actually reaping the rewards off the back of its continued development."

Goodridge herself has been involved in rugby league in the Dragons' local catchment areas for over 20 years, including time spent as an NRL Development Officer, and is keen to extend her commitment to the game in terms of the Women's Premiership.

"I always had to pinch myself when I've been involved with the Jillaroos and New South Wales, so to now have this going forward has ignited my passion once again," Goodridge said.

"It's very exciting for those girls who have been long-term Jillaroos and NSW players, as well as our grassroots girls. It's exciting for all female participants at this time who are keen to get on to that big stage.

"Just trying to keep the grassroots involved long enough to want to get to that next level; this premiership will be extremely beneficial for them to see where they can progress."

Both Goodridge and Lacey's appointments will see them reunite once again with the common goal of developing the women's game even further.

"I'm really excited to work with Pam again. I've worked with her at junior reps level for the Steelers and she was also with me in the NSW and All Stars camps," Lacey said.

"She's played a huge part and she's a big reason why women's football has progressed so well in our catchment areas.

"Her appointment will see her also get the benefits from her input and hard work she's put in to rugby league over the years."


https://www.dragons.com.au/news/201...rm-key-womens-premiership-staff-appointments/

 

[getsmarty]

St George help Dragons launch 2018 season
St.George Bank recently helped the Dragons launch the 2018 season at their Barangaroo branch.

https://www.dragons.com.au/news/2018/03/22/st-george-help-dragons-launch-2018-season/

 

[getsmarty]

Dragons Blue bloods staking Origin selection claim

• 
  Mitch Jennings

Dragons Den News

ROUGHING IT: Tariq Sims doing the hard yards in the Dragons' gritty win over Cronulla last week. Picture: AAP Image

IT’S unlikely they’ll all get the nod, but Dragons forward Tariq Sims says the club’s contingent of NSW hopefuls are pushing each other to new heights in pursuit of a blue jumper.

Incumbent Test and Origin back-rower Tyson Frizell is a virtual walk-up start if fit for game one given his performances at rep level over the past two seasons.

Fellow forwards Jack de Belin, Paul Vaughan, Cam McInnes and Sims have all made no secret of their Origin ambitions.

Sims has returned to his preferred edge back-row spot this season and said the appointment of new coach Brad Fittler has left the door wide open for new aspirants.

“I’m loving it. It’s great to be back in that familiar position,” Sims said.

“With a new coach coming in I’m looking to impress with the young wave of blokes that are coming through.

Tariq Sims
“It’s never too early to start talking about Origin and with a new coach coming in I’m looking to impress with the young wave of blokes that are coming through.

“With de Belin an Friz there, we’re really trying to push for a look-in to the new squad [Fittler] might be putting together.

“Fingers crossed we can have an outstanding start to the year and find ourselves in a sky blue jersey.”


http://www.illawarramercury.com.au/story/5303183/blue-bloods-stake-rep-claim/?cs=3713

 

[getsmarty]

Brennan warns Taylor of Hunt distraction

• 
  
  The Titans' Ashley Taylor has been cleared from injury and will face rival Dragons No.7 Ben Hunt.
  Ashley Taylor has been reminded to put his Ben Hunt man crush on ice by coach Garth Brennan before the pair go head-to-head in NRL round three.
  
  Taylor has been cleared to return from a hamstring injury for the Gold Coast to play Hunt's St George Illawarra in what will be a Toowoomba homecoming for the Titans halfback.
  
  He will have the crowd in his pocket at Clive Berghofer Stadium on Sunday but it was the 23-year-old acting the fan when asked about the man he once worked alongside in Brisbane.
  
  "I grew up playing under him. I was in the under-20s system when he was playing and I was sort of looking up to him," Taylor said of Hunt.
  
  "I know what he can do on the field, he can do some pretty freakish stuff ... we're going to have our hands full on the weekend."
  
  Hunt's big-money move to the Dragons has so far paid off, with the half leading them to top spot after two rounds.
  
  He and captain Gareth Widdop have established themselves as one of the form halves pairings in the NRL during the opening two rounds, with a hand in six of the eight tries to give the Dragons the second best attack in the competition.
  
  In his last outing against the Titans, as a makeshift Broncos hooker, Hunt scored three and set up three more in a 54-0 drubbing.
  
  But Brennan isn't handing out compliments and doesn't think Taylor should be either.
  
  "I think Ash has just got to worry about himself and the team," the coach said.
  
  "He's very focused. I've seen him mature a lot ... don't think he's going to get too caught up in the Ash Taylor verse Ben Hunt challenge."
  
  Prop Jarrod Wallace will return from suspension for his first game of the season, giving Brennan his strongest side yet as they aim to deny the Dragons just their third 3-0 start since becoming a joint venture in 1999.
  
  STATS THAT MATTER
  
  - Despite winning its first match of the season, Gold Coast have won just one of its past nine matches.
  
  - Ben Hunt has five tries and five try assists against the Titans in his past four matches, including a hat-trick in his last encounter.
  
  - The Titans are missing the most tackles per game (41.5) and allowing the second most line breaks (6.5 per game) in the competition.
  
  Australian Associated Press
  
  
  
  http://www.bordermail.com.au/story/5303767/brennan-warns-taylor-of-hunt-distraction/

 

[getsmarty]

Mitch Rein says bitterness of Dragons exit has eased as reunion looms
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On the eve of his first game against former club St George Illawarra, Mitch Rein is asked if, in hindsight, he could have changed the way it all ended at the Red V.

“It wasn’t really up to me, was it?” Rein told Fairfax Media. “If the coach doesn’t want you, he doesn’t want you. That’s how it is.

“I’ve moved on now, I’m sure they will too.”

Rein has indeed. After a stint at Penrith last year, which resulted in just five NRL appearances, he has followed Garth Brennan up to the Gold Coast. While he is again playing behind a potential NSW hooker, this time in Nathan Peats, he will get a chance to take on the Dragons at some stage of the clash in Toowoomba on Sunday.

“Oh yeah, I can’t wait. I didn’t get a chance to play against them last year so I’m looking forward to playing against some old friends," he said.

“I still stay in touch with a few of them, I’ll catch up with a few of them this arvo. It will be a bit of chat around the game and a bit of fun, but nothing too serious.


Rein spent six seasons at the joint-venture outfit and it seemed inevitable that he would finish his career there. However, long and public contract negotiation came to nought, resulting in him shifting to the foot of the mountains. It didn’t end how he would have liked, but the 27-year-old won’t be using his exit as motivation on Sunday.

“I don’t know, not really,” he said.

“I may have felt that way last year, but it’s been a couple of years now. I’m just looking forward to coming up against a few old friends and enjoying being out there.

“To be honest, it’s been a while since I’ve been down there. It’s not like I’ve been overly thinking about it that much, but I am looking forward to it.”

While at the Dragons, Rein was mooted as an Origin hooker in waiting. Upon departing, he spent the majority of his time in reggies.

“When I finished up at the Dragons the year before, I didn’t have a lot of options,” Rein explained.

“It was so late in the year and I got stuck there, I didn’t get many opportunities to play.

“It’s a bit frustrating at times but I just wanted to do the best I could. It’s how things work out I guess. I could have sat back and said ‘stuff this’, but that won’t get you anywhere. I tried to hang in there, enjoy myself - and I did enjoy myself last year.

“We had a good crew of guys and we ended up winning the NSW Cup, which is pretty enjoyable. It was tough but it makes now a lot sweeter.”

The bond with Brennan is a strong one. Having enjoyed success together at the Panthers, Brennan threw Rein a lifeline and he intends to make the most of the opportunity at the Gold Coast.

“It’s pretty well documented how everyone loves playing for him,” he said.

“He’s a great coach because his players are happy and enjoy themselves, that’s how he gets the most out of them. I’m grateful to have an opportunity to come up and keep playing for him, I want to repay the faith.”

The Titans have been boosted by the return of Ash Taylor and Jarrod Wallace as they attempt to inflict the first loss on the Dragons. While most have written off the Gold Coast, Rein is hoping the underdogs can shock the competition and earn himself a new contract in the process.

“Who knows what’s going to happen,” he said.

“I’m enjoying my time up here, it’s a great crew with a lot of belief. No one gives us a chance but we believe we can actually give it a crack. We’ve got to put those performances on the field.”


https://www.brisbanetimes.com.au/sp...s-eased-as-reunion-looms-20180324-p4z62r.html

 

[getsmarty]

 

[getsmarty]

DRAGONS

Dynamic Dufty only going to get better: McGregor
Author
Joel Gould
Timestamp
Sun 25 Mar 2018, 07:35 PM

Scintillating St George Illawarra fullback Matt Dufty is only going to get better, coach Paul McGregor insists after he took another dynamic step in his progression as a quality custodian.

In just his 10th game in the NRL the 22-year-old showed why McGregor has shown faith in him at the back with his two scintillating tries, speed and game awareness a highlight in the 54-8 Telstra Premiership thrashing of the Gold Coast Titans in Toowoomba.

McGregor said Dufty handled himself with aplomb under difficult circumstances the previous week but was able to showcase his all-round game against the Titans in a game that suited his undoubted natural talents.

"Through the week I thought Duff was up for a big game," McGregor said.

"He's certainly getting the boys' trust which is important for a young man and the more first grade he plays the more he'll improve.

"He got our splits right in defence and he's obviously very quick. Put him in that space and he knows how to finish.

"He is learning his trade and I think Duff had a real tough task last week [in the 20-16 win over Cronulla] and handled it really well under difficult conditions to what we saw today.

"Today was a nice open game of footy played in good weather on a fast field and that suits that style of player."

Dragons press conference

It is not often that a side can put 50 points on an opponent particularly after having just 10 on the board in the 30th minute, but the Dragons were able to put their foot on the floor and defend with gusto at the same time to secure top spot on the NRL ladder.

"It is great for our for-and-against and the nice thing there was that they only scored eight as well," McGregor said.

"We had a golden day and we defended OK, and certainly our kick/chase can improve going forward, but the boys have certainly done enough to enjoy that."

Dragons stay perfect in Toowoomba

https://www.nrl.com/news/2018/03/25/dynamic-matt-dufty-only-going-to-get-better-paul-mcgregor/

 

[getsmarty]

Highs, Lows, Big Blows: 10 biggest talking points from Round 3 in the NRL
NRL Premiership

• March 26, 2018 7:55am
• Tony Webeck@tonywebeck
• Source: FOX SPORTS

Gareth Widdop had a career-high five try assists and scored one of his own in the Dragons’ demolition of the Titans on Sunday. Photo: Bradley KanarisSource: Getty Images
RECORDS tumbled as the Dragons ran riot in Toowoomba on Sunday afternoon and it was their five-eighth Gareth Widdop who was at the heart of it all.

The England international had a career-high five try assists and scored a contender for one of the tries of the year as St George Illawarra racked up their biggest ever win away from home and their biggest score in more than a decade, destroying the Titans 54-8.

Brilliant Ben sets up Gaz


Elsewhere in Round 3 controversial calls and escalating penalty counts were a hot topic, Shaun Johnson stole a third straight win for the Warriors and Manly suffered a shock 82-point turnaround against the Rabbitohs.


HIGHS

Hunt’s influence on Widdop telling

They had more space than they would be used to courtesy of a flimsy Titans defence but the Dragons halves pairing of Ben Hunt and Gareth Widdop continues to go from strength to strength.

There were concerns introducing a dominant playmaker into the Dragons may mute Widdop’s influence but the opposite has been the case and Brett Finch believes the star off-season signing is bringing the best out in his partner.

Through three rounds Widdop leads the NRL for try assists with nine and after a 22-point haul against Gold Coast is the competition’s leading pointscorer with 44.

“The greatest rap for Ben Hunt and his inclusion is the form of Widdop,” Finch said on Sunday Night with Matty Johns.

“How much it’s freed him up just to play off the ball.

“They were coming downhill in that second half, they were all jumping on board those Dragons boys.”

Former New South Wales Origin backrower Bryan Fletcher credited the forward pack with the Dragons’ 3-0 start to the year and believes two forwards in particular should be rewarded by Blues selectors.

“Tyson Frizell has played Origin, Jack de Belin has to be close,” Fletcher said.

“The last 18 months his football has improved out of sight.”

https://www.foxsports.com.au/nrl/nr...l/news-story/20ee7c8c4831d66b0ea9bdc0891716f3

 

[getsmarty]

NRL-leading Dragons push for improvements

St George skipper Gareth Widdop says his Dragons are still a work in progress. (AAP)


St George Illawarra captain Gareth Widdop says life alongside Ben Hunt will only get better after their third-straight NRL victory.

Updated Updated 5 hours ago

The St George Illawarra express shows no sign of slowing with captain Gareth Widdop declaring the unbeaten side still a work in progress.

Widdop's men steamrolled Gold Coast 54-8 in Toowoomba on Sunday afternoon, with the captain at the centre of the carnage.

They remain atop the ladder after three rounds and boast a plus-minus of 72 points.

Widdip's partnership with recruited Brisbane halfback Ben Hunt continues to flourish, while hat-tricks to fullback Matthew Dufty and centre Tim Lafai displayed their range of firepower.

Both halves put in kicks to set up tries and they linked to find gaps in the flimsy Titans defence in the nine-try romp.

But Widdop said both he and Dufty would continue to improve as they built a partnership with Hunt.

"I'd like to think we've done enough work in the preseason with limited time ... and it's coming together," he said of their seamless early season form.

"When you bring in a traditional halfback it frees myself up a bit ... the more we play together the better."

It was Dufty's first NRL hat-trick but one his coach and captain saw coming.

"He come through (last week's game against Cronulla) that well, it was a good eduction and through the week I thought he was up for a big game," coach Paul McGregor said.

"He got his defensive splits right and certainly he has the boys' trust, which is important for a young man."

Widdop said his speed was key but his supplementary skills set him apart.

"It's good to have him there; he's very quick, he can ball play as well, it's a big benefit to have in your team," the captain said.

"We all know he can attack but he's learning his trade (in defence), is always in the game ... and he'll keep improving."

The Dragons jumped to an 8-0 lead before the Titans equalised and pressed for the go-ahead try.

Widdop said their defence at that point symbolised why they had started the season so well.

"There were a few momentum changes throughout the game but our defence, we base the game on that, it can turn the game and get you back in it," he said.

Source: AAP

https://www.sbs.com.au/news/nrl-leading-dragons-push-for-improvements

 

[getsmarty]

Dragons forwards lead charge in unbeaten start to the season

• Cameron Mee

Local Sport

Charging forward: Tyson Frizell led a dominant Dragons forward pack in their victory over the Gold Coast. Picture: AAP Image/Darren England.

Boasting a pack filled with the likes of Tyson Frizell, Paul Vaughan and new addition James Graham, the St George Illawarra Dragons forwards were expected to dominate their rivals in 2018.

And through three weeks, that has proven the case.

After running over the top of the Broncos & claiming a points victory over Cronulla in the opening two rounds, the Dragons forwards recorded a dominant knockout victory over the Titans on Sunday.

That knockout blow allowed the team to notch 54 points, their most ever against the Titans, & record a 46-point victory, the biggest away win in the joint venture’s history.

Dragons forward Paul Vaughan said it was good to see the team emerge from the early arm wrestle on top and run away with the game in the second half.

“The boys set a good platform,” Vaughan said. “Obviously we got off to a bit of a strange start there, with the half [Kane Elgey] dropping the ball and we got over the line pretty early.

“It was tough going there up until 25 minutes, it was nice and hot, the boys were in a real wrestle there. Then the game sort of came apart after that and we came out on top.”

With Dragons halves Ben Hunt and Gareth Widdop able to run roughshod over a retreating Titans defence, both Matt Dufty and Tim Lafai crossed for hat-tricks.

“The forwards worked hard in the off-season and they led us yesterday [Sunday],” Lafai said.

“We couldn’t have done it without them, they really dug deep and worked hard, especially in the hot conditions, they were fit and physical and tough.”

While the Dragons are blessed with Hunt and Widdop, lock Jack de Belin stepped up throughout the match to act as an extra playmaker through the middle of the field.

This opened up space for Hunt and Widdop to attack wider of the ruck, exploiting a poorly aligned Titans defence on the edges of the field.

Dragons winger Jason Nightingale said it was not a pre-planned strategy, but agreed it added an extra dimension to the team’s attack on Sunday.

“It’s good, especially being used in the middle of the field,” he said. “The transition, we call it, it creates a great link and allows Gareth to play a bit wider, where he’s very effective with his footwork and pace and ball-playing as well.

“Part of Jack’s job is to have those carries at the back of the field. But if we’re not spending much time at the back of the field, it does free him up to do those sort of things and be a bit more creative and help take pressure off Cam, Ben and Gareth.”

http://www.illawarramercury.com.au/story/5306429/dominant-forwards-lead-dragons-charge/?cs=302

 

[getsmarty]

Dragons fitness behind unbeaten start

• Cameron Mee

Local Sport
The Dragons impressive start to the season has been highlighted by three matches in which they finished the game in dominant fashion.

Finishers: Dragons prop Paul Vaughan. Picture: AAP/Image Darren England.

After pulling away from the Broncos and overcoming the Sharks late in round two, the Dragons were clinical in their second half execution of the Titans on Sunday.

The Dragons were one of the worst second half teams in the NRL in 2017 and prop Paul Vaughan said this season’s turnaround is a result of the work put in during the offseason.

“It’s been pretty well documented that our preseason was pretty tough,” Vaughan said. “Obviously it’s good to get off to a good start and get those early wins.

“Every win counts towards the back end of the season, getting into the finals, which we missed out on last year, so hopefully we’ll keep it going this week.”

This week, the Dragons face the Knights in an Easter Sunday showdown at WIN Stadium.

Newcastle will be out to bounce back from Sunday’s 34-8 loss to the Roosters.


http://www.illawarramercury.com.au/story/5306628/dragons-fitness-shines-through/?cs=302

 

[getsmarty]

NRL stars Ben Hunt and Gareth Widdop combine for super long range try as Dragons annihilate poor Titans
6:30pm
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Source:

AAP
Ashley Taylor has endured a horror homecoming as St George Illawarra destroyed his Gold Coast side in Toowoomba.



St George Illawarra thumped the Gold Coast Titans 54-8 in Toowoomba.
Source: SKY
The Dragons won 54-8, with Ashley Taylor reported for tripping and twice kicking restarts out on the full in a Clive Berghofer Stadium nightmare today.

The Toowoomba product was also forced to pass a concussion test at halftime as the unbeaten Dragons scored nine tries to one in the city's first NRL game.

The Titans entered the match with the league's worst defence after missing 82 tackles across the opening two rounds and it didn't improve as their right edge was brutally exposed by the red-hot Dragons.

They produced the worst possible start when Kane Elgey knocked on from the kick- off, with fullback Matt Dufty crossing inside 90 seconds.

Gold Coast steadied from there though, Taylor's short ball giving Michael Gordon his first try in Titans colours.

They briefly looked the better side as Bryce Cartwright and Konrad Hurrell both spilled the ball with the try-line at their mercy.

But the Titans let the Dragons into the game with back-to-back penalties and Taylor's errant boot as centre Tim Lafai combined with Dufty for three tries in four minutes to close the half.

A professional foul from Jack de Belin and subsequent sin-bin early in the second half should have given the Titans a way back in.

Instead former Titan Nene MacDonald rubbed salt into the wounds with a try in the corner and Ben Hunt combined with halves partner Gareth Widdop to toy with Garth Brennan's side.

The newly-formed duo did as they pleased as the Titans dropped off a staggering 45 tackles and looked lost when the Dragons spread the ball wide.

Both men put in kicks to set up late tries as the Titans defence clocked off, allowing both Dufty and Lafai to notch a hat-trick of tries.


https://www.tvnz.co.nz/one-news/spo...long-range-try-dragons-annihilate-poor-titans

 

[getsmarty]

DRAGONS

Apps wants Dragons WNRL license
Author
Brad Walter Senior Reporter
Timestamp
Mon 26 Mar 2018, 07:01 AM

When Kezie Apps was searching five years ago for somewhere to play rugby league, one of the first competitions the Jillaroos star discovered was the Illawarra Women's League.

It's why Apps, who only learned that women's rugby league existed after seeing a television news report of the Jillaroos' 2013 World Cup win in England, believes the St George Illawarra Dragons must be one of the clubs included in the new Women's NRL Premiership.

After doing some research Apps found that Illawarra had one of the strongest and most established women's competitions, which was founded in 1991, and decided to make the 750km weekly round trip from Bega to play for Helensburgh.

"I think it would be hard for them to be declined given their history with women's rugby league," Apps told NRL.com.

"They have had women's competitions for more than 20 years and I have seen what the Dragons do in the community and schools to try to promote the women's game through tag, touch, and tackle."

There are now more than 14,000 women and girls playing the three formats in the region, while an under-18s Illawarra Women's League competition was established last year.

The best of those players were on display in last weekend's Tarsha Gale Cup fixture between Illawarra Steelers and St George Dragons, who would become feeder teams for the St George Illawarra Dragons WNRL side.

The St George Dragons and Illawarra Steelers teams from the under 18s Tarsha Gale Cup.
"I wasn't allowed to play through school but now girls can play rugby league in high school and they can continue to play after school through the Lisa Fiaolo under-16s Cup and the Tarsha Gales Cup for under-18s," Apps said.

"I have been going to a few of the Steelers girls training and games, and they have just progressed so much from last year until now with the amount of skill they have learned.

"That is something that really excites me, hopefully if the Dragons are successful in their bid I will be able to play with some of those girls coming through."

The profile of women's rugby league in the area is such that Apps was voted the 2017 Illawarra Mercury Sports Star of the Year, ahead of Dragons forward Tyson Frizell, who also played in a World Cup winning team for the Kangaroos.

Apps and Jillaroos teammate Sam Bremner, who work as ambassadors for the Dragons, have been involved in the club's bid submitted to the NRL last month.

With Brisbane Broncos, Cronulla Sharks, New Zealand Warriors, South Sydney Rabbitohs and Sydney Roosters also applying for licences, an announcement on the structure of the competition is expected this week.

Jillaroos representative Kezie Apps. Gregg Porteous/NRL Photos
Besides their history of development of women's rugby league, the Dragons believe their reach from southern Sydney to Bateman's Bay on the NSW South Coast make the club a strategic choice for a place in the new competition.

Bateman's Bay and Bomaderry both have teams in the Illawarra Women's League, which was won last year by Corrimal Cougars.

Cougars winger Rikeya Horne, who played in last year's Steelers under-18s team, is one of 40 players offered NRL contracts after debuting for the Jillaroos at the recent Commonwealth Championships and she is expected to line up alongside Apps and Bremner for the Dragons.

The club last week announced Steelers Tarsha Gale Cup coach Daniel Lacey would be given charge of the WNRL side, with Jillaroos head trainer Pam Goodridge to fulfil the same role for the team.

https://www.dragons.com.au/news/2018/03/26/apps-wants-dragons-wnrl-license/

 

[getsmarty]

Dufty keeping lid on Dragons hype

By AAP+ on 27/03/2018 at 3:42 am
Filled in: NRL News


St George Illawarra’s Matthew Dufty says memories of last season’s gutting finals absence will keep the high-flying side honest this season.

The 22-year-old scored his first NRL hat-trick in a 54-8 destruction of Gold Coast, the victory putting them top of the table and undefeated after three rounds.

But he said last season’s fade out, in which they went from top of the ladder after seven rounds to finish an agonising ninth, would be front of mind all season.

“We dropped off last year and it cost us a finals spot; this year Mary’s (coach Paul McGregor) focus is on playing the same way every week and we’re knuckling down,” he told AAP.

“We’ll celebrate it, will have a good feel all week, but know we’ve got a job to do.”

Dufty was the beneficiary of more good work from new halves pairing Ben Hunt and Gareth Widdop, the latter racking up five try assists in Sunday’s Toowoomba romp.

He said the arrival of Hunt had been seamless, necessary and a big help to his own game.

“When you run out and look forward and you’ve got a forward pack of the standard of ours, got a high quality team, you can’t ask for any more,” Dufty told AAP.

“Benny’s just a world class player isn’t he; his game management, talk, direction, leadership is all world class and what we’ve really lacked these last couple of years.

“You never noticed the pressure on him at all (when he arrived); Benny doesn’t let that stuff phase him, he’s proving a point at the moment, he signed a big deal and I think it’s worth it.”

The Dragons, who next face Newcastle, strengthened their hold on top spot with the Titans flogging and now boast a for-and-against differential of 72.

“To put 50 (points) on any NRL team is something special and the games have been really close this season so hopefully that helps us, because it hurt us last year,” Dufty said.

https://www.sportsnews.com.au/nrl/dufty-keeping-lid-on-dragons-hype/426168

 

[getsmarty]

MEMBERSHIP

Dragons reach 17,000 Red V Members
Author
Dragons.com.au dragons.com.au
Timestamp
Tue 27 Mar 2018, 12:10 PM

The St George Illawarra Dragons are excited to announce that 17,000 Red V Members have signed on for the 2018 Telstra Premiership season.

The 2018 Red V Membership program offers a range of flexible and affordable packages offering new and enhanced benefits to our loyal Red V Members.

Fans are encouraged to join without delay to get the maximum value from the 2018 membership program, with our second home game approaching this weekend.

Secure your tickets to five home games played at WIN Stadium, Wollongong, the four remaining home games at Jubilee Oval, Kogarah and the traditional Anzac Day match against the Roosters at Allianz Stadium with a Red V membership.

Click here to view the 2018 Dragons Draw

Some highlights of the 2018 Membership program include:

• General admission and bronze family memberships are priced to include two children free across all packages
• Adult general admission pricing is extremely affordable at less than $200 for the full season or less than $100 for the Kogarah or Wollongong Pass.
• Anzac Day: secure your seat for the biggest event on the NRL calendar from only $20 in a 2018 membership package
• Membership delivers the best value ticket prices every time: five-game general admission passes only $99 (less than $20 per game)
• Secure your seat for all the action at the Red V traditional venues in Kogarah and Wollongong
• Flexible package options: build your own package to suit your needs. The choice is yours
• Affordability: entry level memberships from $79
• Red V benefits to your door: benefit pack delivery
• Members choice is back in 2018: choose between member cap, beanie or both
• Flexible payment options: pay by the month from less than $9 per month (adult)**
• Kids pack: bigger and better than ever incl. member cap, cape flag, drawstring bag, sticker sheet and lanyard

For further detail, benefits and comparison, visit www.marchwithus.com.au and make the choice that best suits your needs or simply follow the steps to join.

You can also contact our team on 1300 DRAGON or via email to: redv@dragons.com.au and we can help you.

** Monthly payment plan – a $5 account set up fee will be deducted with the first instalment and an account transaction fee of three per cent per transaction will be deducted with each instalment. Catch up payments apply for memberships ordered after October 17, 2017. Part Payment Terms and Conditions can be viewed here.

https://www.dragons.com.au/news/2018/03/27/dragons-reach-17000-red-v-members/

 

[getsmarty]

Pressure Gauge: Why Mary’s men could hold the key to Parramatta’s turnaround
NRL Premiership

• March 27, 2018 6:00am
• Simon Brunsdon@simonbrunsdon
• Source: FOX SPORTS

NRL Pressure Gauge — round 4.Source: FOX SPORTS
THE Dragons sit atop the NRL ladder after three rounds and a winless Parramatta wallow in last place.

And the Eels must take a leaf out of Paul McGregor’s playbook in order to drag their season off the rocks, according to Matthew Johns.

Specifically, the halves — Mitchell Moses and Corey Norman — need to define their respective roles in the blue and gold side in order to get the best out of Brad Arthur’s men.

The Eels have lost badly to Penrith, Manly, and Cronulla and have conceded a shocking 92 points while scoring just 18.


Up the other end of the table, the Dragons have scored 108 points in their opening three games.

That attacking success is based largely on new halves pairing Gareth Widdop and Ben Hunt, who Johns says have discovered the perfect formula for modern-day halves.

“At the moment Widdop is the best player in the competition. What a difference a chief playmaker alongside someone (makes),” Johns told Triple M’s Grill Team on Monday.

“That’s how it works these days. Once upon a time the two halves had equal rights, but now you need a single chief playmaker and let the other bloke complement him, run the football.”

Johns says the Eels must adopt the Dragons’ halves plan in order to set their attack straight.

He wants Norman and Moses to sort out which is the “chief” playmaker, and which can take a back seat role and play a more instinctive brand of football.

Parramatta's Corey Norman and Mitchell Moses after another loss.Source: News Corp Australia
Both Moses and Norman have strong natural running games and can be lethal in attack if given free rein.

“For me, when you have two halves who have got equal rights you play a lot of middle field football, which these days teams can defend really well (against),” Johns said.

“If you’ve got a chief playmaker then generally the field opens up a lot more.

“At the moment I’ve got the feeling that Moses and Norman have got equal rights.

“I think the way forward for Parramatta is to say who’s running this show? Then whoever is running the show I want the other one to really run the football and complement what he does.

“On the weekend Mitchell Moses I think had no runs for no metres ... that’s not Mitchell’s game. Mitchell is an exciting runner of the football, when he does that he plays well.”

Parramatta’s next assignment is against Wests Tigers on Easter Monday.

All eyes will be on the two men in the halves to see whether Arthur and the Eels listen to Johns’ advice or not.

See who else is under the pump in our NRL Pressure Gauge!


https://www.foxsports.com.au/nrl/nr...d/news-story/cffd62f2c8aa92275c394862b9a698d7

 

[getsmarty]

NRL Women's League: Dragons’ stars align for Bremner

• 
  Mitch Jennings

Local Sport

NEW DAWN: Dragons ambassador and Jillaroos star Sam Bremner has welcomed the club's inclusion in the inaugural NRL women's premiership. Picture: NRL Photos.

WANT to know how excited Sam Bremner was when she heard St George Illawarra’s bid for inclusion in the first ever NRL women’s premiership was successful?

“I literally wore my boots at the airport today because I’m so excited to play,” she told The Mercury following confirmation the Dragons will join the Broncos, Warriors and Roosters in the inaugural competition.

“I haven’t been more keen to play rugby league since when I first started. It’s such an exciting time.

“Even before the women’s NRL premiership we were just making huge leaps forward. Something new was happening every day but this is ultimately where we wanted to be so it’s awesome news.”

Last year’s World Cup was a glowing example of how far the women’s game has come, certainly since Bremner was part of the Jillaroos’ 2013 Cup crown.

A national women’s league, however, still looked some way into the future before NRL CEO Todd Greenberg confirmed the new competition would be run at the end of 2018.

It saw hot competition for licenses, with Cronulla vocally critical of their omission on Wednesday, but Bremner backed the initial four-team format.

“We were pretty unsure how long it was going to take to develop a women’s NRL competition,” Bremner said.

“We’re all aware that it’s going to take some time to get as many teams and as good a quality as the men so I think the NRL have done the right thing by having four teams and starting from there.

“We all want to produce a real quality product because that’s what people want to watch and what young girls want to emulate.

“The girls are all really excited to be an inspiration for all the younger girls who are starting to play rugby league.

“It’s great that they can watch us play, exactly like the boys do, under the NRL banner.”

Bremner has good reason to be “biting at the bit,” as she describes it, having endured a wretched two-year run of injuries, culminating in a heartbreaking absence from the Jillaroos recent World Cup triumph.

It was a tough pill to swallow, but the Helensburgh-raised 25-year-old insists thoughts never turned to hanging up those boots she so keenly wore through the departures gate on Tuesday.

“It never entered my mind,” she said.

“I can see why people would assume it did because people just couldn’t believe how much bad luck I’ve had but I think the best thing that has come out of such an unlucky year of injury is I’ve really just stripped it back to the basics.

“It’s really basic for me, I just want to play football. Whether it’s for Helensburgh, whether it’s the Dragons, my state or my country.

“I just want to put my boots on, put my jersey on, have that smell of dencorub and go out and play some football.”

Contracts for the new league are yet to be lodged but Bremner, and fellow Dragons ambassador Kezie Apps, are expected to turn out in the red v, while the Dragons are also a likely destination for recent Jillaroos debutant and Corrimal star Rikeya Horne.

The club could also make a pitch for former Helensburgh Tigerlillies Ruan Sims, Maddie Studdon and Corban McGregor who have previously turned out for the Sharks.

“The Dragons and St George Illawarra have always really helped us and supported us even before we came under their banner,” Bremner said.

“If we are to play for the Dragons hopefully we can represent the red and white as best as possible and ultimately take out the premiership.

“At the end of the day, that’s what it all leads to, we want to win an NRL premiership. It’s great that we’ve got this competition but we’re all athletes, we’re all ultra-competitive, and we want to win.”

http://www.illawarramercury.com.au/story/5308424/dragons-stars-align-for-bremner/